Digbeth is named among the top 250 places to live in the UK and the top 10 places to live in the West Midlands by the acclaimed digital platform Muddy Stilettos!
The list, covering more regions than ever before, draws upon unparalleled local knowledge and insight to compile the definitive guide of the top places to live in the UK.
Digbeth is a hotspot for creative businesses, independents, amazing food and drink, shopping and more, with plenty of exciting developments in the pipeline – read on for why Muddly Stilettos LOVE Digbeth!
Image: @ovalrealestate
“Set in the vibrant heart of Birmingham, it’s impossible to get bored in buzzy Digbeth.
WHY?
Brutalist industrial buildings, winding canals and a packed offering of places to visit – if you’re looking to be in the centre of it all then let me introduce you to Digbeth, the vibrant heart and creative quarter of Birmingham. Almost every type of indoor entertainment you can think of is available in the converted historic warehouses which surround the former Birds Custard factory nestled smack bang in the middle of the area.
EAT
While there’s loads of stars here, if you like yours to be Michelin then new kid on the block 670 Grams is owned by Kray Treadwell, who was named Best Young Chef at the Michelin Guide awards 2021. Expect fine dining in a quirky setting with graffiti-covered walls. Digbeth is known for its street food and there’s plenty of joints which originated from the humble food truck – Baked in Brick is a top spot for pizza and Sunday lunches, Original Patty Men and Hanbao for burgers, and if you’re plant powered check out vegan restaurant BA-HA, which will impress even the biggest of carnivores. The town is also home to UK’s first zero waste cafe-bar and refill taproom Kilo Zero with wines served via a self-service tap wall (I need one of these at home). For cocktails and street food in an Instagram-worthy location there’s Birdies Bar or if beer’s more your thing head to Zumhof Biergarten, which also boasts a selection of awesome food traders. If you fancy grabbing a bite in one of the pubs the Peaky Blinders frequented back in the 19th century check out The Rainbow.
SHOP
For the true Digbeth shopping experience you need to head to The Custard Factory where there’s heaps of quirky indies waiting to be discovered. We love unique homewares and curiosities store Ridding & Wynn and jeweller Sara Preisler Gallery for stunning items handmade in store. Vintage clothing and cool one-off pieces are available in Bene Culture and Ideal Skate stocks some awesome clothes too. Outside of the factory there’s The Zen Shop for alternative therapies like crystals and make sure you stop by Red Brick Market which is brimming with independent stalls, artists and vintage finds. If you’re looking for some high street stores Birmingham’s Bullring and Grand Central are just minutes away and have loads to offer including a huge Selfridges and John Lewis.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Where. Do. I. Start. You’re not going to be short of things to do in Digbeth. There’s an awesome nightlife here with plenty of quirky bars, like NQ64 filled with its retro arcade games, . Head to ‘adults playground’ (no, not like that, cheeky) Ball Park for a giant ball pit, slide, games and cocktails. If baking is more your jam (and even if it isn’t) there’s The Big Birmingham Bake Off based on everyone’s fave tv show. Luna Springs is a huge outdoor event space which has an awesome line-up – think live gigs, festivals, ice skating, outdoor cinema, campfire karaoke (yes, that’s a thing) and bottomless brunches. For games like bowling, ping pong and pool to an awesome soundtrack head to Roxy Ball Room, or if you like things little more zen grab dinner and a movie at independent cinema The Mockingbird.
CULTURE
Plenty of festivals from craft beer, art festival the High Vis Street Culture Festival which celebrates all things street art and graffiti and the Birmingham Lit Fest in central Brum. If you’re looking for art there’s no shortage of quirky galleries with Centrala Space for central and European artists, Eastside Projects which always has a packed programme of local artists, and gallery and artists studio complex Grand Union.”